An Evaluation of Dependencies of Critical Infrastructure Timing Systems on the Global Positioning System (GPS)

Published

November 1, 2021

Author(s)

Michael A. Lombardi

Abstract

Accurate and reliable time signals are an essential part of critical infrastructure systems in the United States. Because these systems often cannot function properly without accurate time signals, timing system failures can have serious consequences, with the potential implications including economic loss, reduced safety and security, and loss of human life. The primary time synchronization sources for these systems are signals broadcast by Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, which has understandably led to concerns about our dependency on GPS timing. This report provides an overview of how timing systems work and defines some basic terminology and specifications. It then discusses the regulatory timing requirements and GPS timing dependencies of United States critical infrastructure systems operating in the financial, telecommunications, and electric power sectors.

Citation

Technical Note (NIST TN) - 2189

Report Number

2189

NIST Pub Series

Technical Note (NIST TN)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.TN.2189

Local Download

Keywords

Coordinated Universal Time, critical infrastructure systems, GPS, synchronization, time transfer

Citation

Lombardi, M. (2021), An Evaluation of Dependencies of Critical Infrastructure Timing Systems on the Global Positioning System (GPS), Technical Note (NIST TN), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.TN.2189, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=933484 (Accessed April 18, 2024)